Smith Wins Weather Shortened Guatemala Event
2nd Annual Guatemala International Open
$200,000 Purse
$200,000 Purse
Guatemala City, GT…Justin Smith (Franklin, PA) was declared the winner after dense fog caused the cancellation of the final round of the 2nd annual Guatemala International Open. Smith ended up 7 under for the tournament, 2 strokes better than Michael Welch (Jupiter, FL).
Unusual rain and fog blanketed San Isidro CC making the conditions unplayable for most of Sunday. Scores revert to their 54 hole total.
“This never happens during this time of year,” said San Idisro CC President Jose Miron, “We feel awful for the players, sponsors, and the fans. Today was shaping up to be a great finish for everyone. We missed out on what promised to be an exciting finish.”
“The fog made it impossible to get all the players finished,” said Hooters Tour Tournament Director Jeff Harlow. “Unfortunately the conditions made it so we wouldn’t be able to get 18 holes in.”
Smith is a member of the 2007 Nationwide Tour as well as the 2002 NCAA University of Minnesota National Championship team.
“It’s bittersweet” said the former Golden Gopher. “Of course I’ll take a win anytime I can get it but you always want to play a full tournament. Never the less, this golf course was great test. Winning here is extremely satisfying.”
Smith earns $34,000 for his 3rd career Hooters Tour win.
Opening round co-leader and local pro Alex Villavicencio finished the fog shortened week 5 shots off the pace tied for 6th overall.
The NGA/Hooters Tour kicks off the season state-side March 19 in Harmony (Orlando), Florida with the Michelob Ultra Classic at Harmony Golf Preserve. The Michelob Ultra Classic at Harmony will also have a $200,000 total purse.
VIEW GUATEMALA INTERNATIONAL OPEN PICS
VIEW GUATEMALA INTERNATIONAL OPEN PICS
GUATEMALA INTL OPEN/SAN IDISRO PRO CHALLENGE
Guatemala City, GT…Following the cancellation of the final round of the 2nd annual Guatemala International Open, San Isidro CC and The NGA/Hooters Pro Golf Tour decided to play a 3 man best ball tournament Sunday afternoon with a $4200 purse. The participants were:Team USA
Justin Smith (2007 Guatemala Intl. Open Champion)
Alex Rodger (2006 Guatemala Intl. Open Champion)
Nick Rousey (3rd place,
2007 Guatemala Intl. Open)
2007 Guatemala Intl. Open)
Team Latin America
Alejandro Villavicencio, Guatemala City
Diego Vanegas, Columbia
Jose Trauwitz, Mexico City
When it was clear there wouldn’t be enough daylight to finish the final round of the Guatemala Intl. Open, tournament organizers decided to have an afternoon, 18 hole match between some of the top players in the field. The 6 professionals battled unseasonably cold, wet and windy conditions Sunday afternoon.
When it was all said and done, it was Team Latin America: 8 under, Team USA: 6 under. The shot of the day was turned in on 18 by Diego Vanegas who hit a 6 iron from 212 yards to within 3 inches of the cup to seal the victory.
Team Latin America takes home $1000 each ($3000 total), while the American’s each pocketed $400 ($1200).